If I had a chance to document only two breathtaking moments and put them in a photograph, the first one would be the culpable expression of a man’s face that very moment he walks past a beggar on the street. The second photograph would be of my friend’s expression when he experiences the first sip of his beer. But a photograph would not capture the experience as I have seen it. It would not capture the way he pours beer on his bottle, hungrily watching it froth, like a rain god watching water bubbles destroy dust in a desert. Satisfied by what he sees in front of him.
A photograph would not capture the way he bends towards his glass, sips a good amount of it and lets it burst in his mouth. The way he closes his mouth and sucks the moment in, disappearing into the taste bursting in his mouth. At that moment, everyone else on the table ceases to exist. No one speaks, everything dies. Then his body comes back to life in involuntary spasms, and then he opens his eyes, sighs and nods. All this takes three seconds. And then the conversation on the table begins.
This is how all great conversations begin, conversations well lubricated by that very first sip of the beer. The first sentence is uttered, and in it is the second. The second sentence contains the third, thoughts leading to others, as if those on the table are drinking and pouring back the inscriptions of their minds on the table. In between are sips, each one as powerful as the first.
Between a person and his beverage is a relationship. Those who get the kicks from coffee refuse to acknowledge the morning until the warmth of a coffee cup wakes them up.
These beverages when shared in company fuel the greatest of conversations. Thoughts and sounds are exchanged. Silence is a frightening thing sometimes. We all want a reaction from those sitting on our table, another sound in response to that which we have spoken. And at the clearing of the table, when everyone is tired of exchanging thoughts, we leave the table different people.
Such is the platform provided by the good folks at Tusker Malt 100 Club. Brought together by a common love, consumers get the opportunity to relax together, share Tusker Malt, interact and discover rising African music talent. As we all know, nothing goes better with beer than conversation and music. This 22nd November, EABL brand Tusker Malt Lager brings to us South African award winning afro-soul artist Zonke. If you appreciate the power of great conversation, the relationship between man and beer, and great music, then clear your Thursday evening from 6 pm. All this shall be happening at the Nairobi Arboretum.
In the words of Theodore Zeldin, “Conversation is a meeting of minds with different memories and habits. When minds meet, they don’t just exchange facts: they transform them, reshape them, draw different implications from them, engage in new trains of thought.” Theodore says it better.
For more information, check the Twitter hash tag #TML100withZonke or the website www.tml100.com
hehe are you speaking about me? Between a person and his beverage is a relationship. Those who get the kicks from coffee refuse to acknowledge the morning until the warmth of a coffee cup wakes them up.
Sounds like an awesome event. Shame I quit drinking. Dunhill should host an event along the same lines. That I would attend.
Vic, she’s not talking about you. I think it’s me she’s sub-posting. :p Lovely work as always Jacque.